Chapter 153
When flenty agreed to take Isabella to Billy’s birthday celebration, she couldn’t hide her excitement. She immediately planted a kies of Hantyy cher ! heart racing.
Finally, a chance to humiliate Sophia in front of the entire Harding family.
Sophia, you won’t be Mrs. Harding much longer! she thought triumphantly.
As their car pulled up to the Imperial Palace hotel, the hotel manager rushed out to greet them, his face beaming with a smile.
“Mr. Harding, welcome! Everyone has arrived–we’ve been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
The manager’s eyes briefly flickered to Isabella standing behind Henry, and he shot Henry a questioning glance, Henry’s expression immediately darkened with irritation.
Taking the hint, the manager quickly closed his mouth and pretended not to notice Isabella at all.
He turned and led the way toward the main hall, maintaining a respectful distance.
The hotel had been transformed for the birthday celebration–colorful balloons, streamers, and a large “Happy Birthday Billy banner hung from the ceiling.
Following the red carpet down the corridor, they approached the grand hall filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.
William sat at the center table, commanding attention even from his wheelchair. The moment Isabella stepped into the hall behind Henry, her eyes locked onto Sophia. The sight of her in that stunning purple gown made Isabella’s blood boil with jealousy.
“Henry’s here!” someone shouted from across the room. “Everyone, let’s welcome him!”
Following that enthusiastic announcement, all the extended family members surged forward, glasses raised high, eager to toast with the Harding family heir.
Henry found himself surrounded, raising his own glass in response to their celebratory mood.
However, the crowd couldn’t help but notice the attractive young woman hovering behind him. For such an important occasion, Henry–Billy’s father–had not only arrived late but had brought another woman with him.
“That’s Isabella Scott!” someone whispered, finally recognizing her.
The whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire.
“My God! He brought his mistress to his son’s birthday party? How clueless can he be?”
“This is going to be epic. The wife’s son is celebrating his birthday, and Henry brings his girlfriend? He’s deliberately causing a scene!”
When William spotted the woman behind his grandson, his face transformed with fury. He couldn’t believe Henry would bring his mistress to his son’s birthday celebration.
Meanwhile, Catherine watched from the sidelines with a smug smile.
As long as Isabella was present, Sophia’s days in the Harding family were numbered.
Only Sophia remained perfectly composed, sitting/calmly as if nothing unusual was happening.
Mark, noticing the tension, quickly approached/Henry. Having served the Harding family for over thirty years, the butler knew the te generations of Harding men all too well. He understood that if Henry approached William now, an explosive confrontation would be
ents of all three
able.
“Young Master,” Mark Whispered urgently, the Old Master is extremely upset. I strongly advise against bringing Miss Scott over. Perhaps I could escort her to the lounge, and she could join later when things have calmed down?”
1/3
Chapter 153
Isabella inmediately clutched Itentys arm tighter. “Please don’t send me away, the pleaded, defitwrately making her veler round Magna. I pinside interfere with Henry and Sophia’s marriage. I’m just here for my treatment. Once I recover, I’ll leave. Please don’t make nie j
Henry’s expression hardened as he studied Mark’s face. “You approached Isabella without my knowledge? The volen dropped dangerously nares fo threatened her without my permission?‘
Mark froze, uncertain how to respond.
Everything he had done had been under William’s direct orders.
“Mark, Henry growled, ‘do you have a death wish?”
Six years ago, Henry had failed Isabella profoundly. Now was his chance to make things right.
The butler stood speechless, stunned by Henry’s fierce protection of Isabella. Never had he expected such a reaction.
Isabella seized the opportunity, clutching Henry’s arm tighter, putting on a wounded expression. “Henry, it was him! He came to my hospital room and zola me your grandfather wanted to send me away forever. He said such terrible things, but I refused to leave. I just want to be with you, no matter what storm we have to face. Not even your grandfather can separate us!”
Though her face showed nothing but hurt, her eyes gleamed with triumph.
Hmph! Old man, whatever you did to me before, I’m paying you back double now!
Henry glared coldly at Mark. “You’ve served the Harding family for years, and we’ve treated you well. Yet you do something like this? It’s not that I won’t tolerate you–the Harding family doesn’t allow traitors! Leave now while you still have your dignity. That’s the last courtesy I’ll extend to you.”
Mark stared at Henry in disbelief, shock written across his features. “Young Master, I was only trying to protect your family. I don’t believe I’ve done anything wrong, and I won’t accept an unjust punishment.”
He had dedicated over thirty years of his life to the Harding family, sacrificing his youth.
Even if his contributions weren’t extraordinary, his loyalty and hard work deserved respect.
Mark signaled to the nearby security guards, gesturing for them to help remove the troublemaking woman from the celebration.
Henry immediately pulled Isabella behind him protectively. “Isabella is mine! Anyone who touches her will face the consequences. I’ll break your legs if you try!”
The security team and Mark hesitated, caught in an awkward situation.
Suddenly, Sophia’s voice cut through the tension.
“Mark, stand down,” she called out, approaching the scene.
William attempted to stop her, but Sophia gently placed her hand on his. ‘Grandfather, it’s all right. I know what’s happening and what comes next. I want to face this myself. Please let me.”
The old man paused, then reluctantly nodded. “Very well. But remember this–I will always be your support. Whatever you decide to do, Kll stand behind
you.‘
Gratitude filled Sophia’s eyes, “With your words, Grandfather, I fear nothing.”
Sophia walked slowly toward Henry, her gaze calm and cold. When she looked at him, there was no emotion in her eyes—he might complete stranger.
I have been a
The moment she had seen Henry enter with Isabella, she had made her final decision: today she would end this marriage, freeing him to be with Isabella.
After today, Henry Harding would no longer exist in her life.
